米莱继续改革阿根廷

Core Viewpoint - Since taking office in December 2023, President Milei's government has implemented a series of free-market reforms and strict fiscal austerity measures aimed at curbing high inflation and achieving fiscal surplus. While these policies have been positively received by international investors, they have also sparked public discontent due to subsidy cuts and factory closures. Following a loss in local elections in September, Milei's unexpected victory in the midterm elections has provided crucial backing for his aggressive austerity policies [1]. Group 1 - In the midterm elections, Milei's "Liberty Advances Party" achieved a significant victory with 40.8% of the votes, securing a crucial position in Congress to facilitate future economic reforms [6]. - The party's performance in Buenos Aires, traditionally a stronghold for the opposition, marked a significant political shift, with the party receiving 41.5% of the votes compared to the opposition's 40.8% [6]. - Despite the electoral success, Milei's government will still need to negotiate with other political forces in Congress to achieve legislative goals, as no coalition has a majority [6][7]. Group 2 - Argentina's economy remains highly dependent on agricultural and energy exports, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices and economic conditions [8]. - Although some economic indicators have shown improvement, such as a decrease in inflation and poverty rates, the cost of living remains high, leading to declining government approval ratings [8]. - A report indicated that economic activity in Argentina is expected to stagnate in the first half of 2025, with GDP showing a 0.1% decline in the second quarter [9]. Group 3 - Following political turmoil in September, the Argentine Central Bank intervened by selling over $1 billion in foreign reserves to stabilize the market [10]. - A historic agreement was reached with the U.S. Treasury for a $20 billion currency swap to bolster Argentina's foreign reserves and stabilize the peso [10]. - Concerns have been raised domestically regarding the dependency on U.S. assistance, with critics arguing that it may compromise Argentina's economic policy independence [11].